Be Alert, Stress Can Cause Children To Experience Eating Disorders

JAKARTA - Stress can actually be one of the causes for children, including school age, to experience eating disorders. This was revealed by the psychologist Samanta Elsener's child.

"Children can be disturbed by eating, it can be because of stress. If there is one eating behavior that is not in accordance with the habits or recommendations that we have built since childhood, it means that he has an emotional problem," said Samanta, quoted from ANTARA Tuesday, September 20.

Samantha said that this stress can arise because of the tasks that are charged to children, it is necessary for children to adapt since the COVID-19 pandemic for almost three years until the demands for them to get good grades in school.

"It could be because of adaptation during the two pandemics and then returning to school, suddenly feeling achievements, demands to get value can also make him have no appetite," he said.

According to Samantha, irregular eating can cause problems in the child's digestive tract and this ultimately affects his concentration and immune system.

On that occasion, clinical nutrition specialist dr. Diana Felicia Suganda said that attention to children's digestive system should be a fundamental thing.

"Research will be healthy if we support the completeness of the nutrients in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients as well as sufficient prebiotics. Health screening results in strong immune system," he said.

Pediatric expert Parker L. Huston said there were many symptoms among various types of eating disorders, including patients often complaining of stomachs avoiding eating, skipping meals or eating less than usual, fainting or lack of energy and tooth problems due to frequent vomiting.

Parents with children who experience eating disorders can do a number of things, such as telling them the anxiety they feel without judging and consulting with a professional worker.

"Foods almost always require support from medical health and behavioral professionals," Huston said.